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An explosion at a chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas, has caused a massive plume of smoke to drift northward, prompting emergency officials to issue shelter-in-place orders for nearby communities. The explosion occurred around 7 a.m. CST on November 8, 2023, and the smoke is being carried toward the town of Livingston by southerly winds of about 15-20 miles per hour.

The plant, identified as Sound Resource Solutions, had a major explosion that resulted in multiple additional explosions as first responders arrived at the scene. At least one person has suffered burn injuries, and it is still unclear what triggered the initial explosion.

Authorities have ordered residents within a one-mile radius of the plant to shelter in place and turn off all air conditioning systems as a precaution. The San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management has also evacuated all children and employees of a nearby private school to the Shepherd ISD administration building.

To ensure public safety and ease traffic congestion, a section of Highway 59 has been closed in both directions from FM 1988 to Exit 451B. Motorists are advised to find alternative routes.

Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.